One issue dominated last evening’s Village Board meeting in Chatham: where did the $70 squeegee come from? No one had an answer, although some hypotheses were put forward. The most favorable and probable explanation is that the expense was for several squeegees, totaling $70. However, several residents voiced their concerns about this issue and other recent expenditures. They want to ensure spending is kept under control to prevent debt from accumulating that their children will have to pay off later. The Village Manager is investigating the issue.

Update: Village Manager Patrick McCarthy has contacted us to tell us the purchase was for 3, 30” squeegees. That comes out to $23.61 per squeegee.

County Clerk Don Gray (R) spoke to the board about recent activities from the Clerk’s office. These included the mobile records units and election security. The mobile record units bring vital record services to residents where they are. This is important for homebound individuals, and those who cannot reach the normal offices. Gray went on to assure the board that the recent primary election was carried out without any issues. He also said that Sangamon County election records are secure from outside interference. Still, upgrades are being planned to provide better service and more security when it comes to voter registration.

The board also recognized Police Sergeant Dave Drabing for his service. Sergeant Drabing will be retiring at the end of the month.

You can see the $70 expenditure on page 4 of the attached PDF Warrant List April 24 2018. You can watch the full meeting in the player.

Senior strategist, statehouse reporter and political correspondent for Springfield Daily. Graduate of District 117 and UIS. Thomas covers stories in both Morgan and Sangamon Counties, as well as statewide politics.

SJ-R writers march for a contract

2007 was the year President George W. Bush sent the “surge” of troops to Iraq, the iPhone was released, and the subprime mortgage bubble popped. It was also when writers at the State Journal-Register (SJR) last got a raise. Even after forming a union in 2012, the newsroom writers are still fighting to get their first contract with GateHouse Media. GateHouse Media is part of the New Media Investment Group, which acquired the SJR in 2007. They are based in Fairport, New York,

Today, members of the local United Media Guild marched to demand a labor contract. Those negotiations are ongoing in St. Louis, and have made some progress. A deal struck last year will guarantee a one percent raise in September of this year, and a 1.75 percent raise in October of next year. The marchers were joined by members of other local labor unions including AFSCME.

The local United Media Guild is part of The NewsGuild-CWA which represents 25,000 journalists and media workers across the nation.

You can see our interviews with Union representatives in the video player above, and watch some of the march in the player below.

LIVE | Village of Chatham, IL Board Meeting – May 22nd, 2018

Boys & Girls Club unveils new playground

The Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois has undergone a major facilities improvement thanks to the “Renovation Across the Nation” grant from Lowe’s. This $50,000 grant allowed the Club not just to add a new playground, but also fix the parking lot, HVAC system, and women’s restroom.

While Lowe’s provided the money, that funding went further because of all of the manpower provided by other local businesses and labor organizations. Playground equipment is expensive just to purchase, and installing it is another set of costs as well. Support from Siciliano Construction, Bunn, Equipment Operator’s Local 965, Prather-Tucker Architects, and Carpenter’s Local 270 was a huge multiplier for the grant dollars.

You can watch the full unveiling in the player, courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club. You can learn more about them on the Facebook page or their website.